Jan 26 How to Raise Kids That are Truly Grateful

Frozen yogurt, or froyo for short, is their current favorite dessert. In utter disbelief, I listened to my four children begging for more froyo just minutes after we had taken them to a particular restaurant for dinner. With a stern “No,” I launched into what I thought was a rather convincing lecture on gratefulness! Seriously!

There are some days that as my children ask for more and more and more, I wonder if they will ever be satisfied. And I wonder where did all this want, want, and more want, begin??

Raising grateful kids requires a life of intentional living first personally as a woman and then practically as a mom. We live in a “yes” world. We can have it all and eat our cake too. It is no surprise that as moms we have a battle from the beginning against this culture of agreement. Is it even possible to raise a grateful child? Where do we even begin?

I believe it begins with ME. With YOU.

This is a point well stated by Kristen Welch. She writes, “Entitlement didn’t start with my kids. It began with me. I entitled them because I was entitled.”

Ouch. That is the hard truth! In my own wanting, they have watched and learned. I have taught them so much without even realizing it. Now to be fair, there are probably plenty of times that I have said no to something because it wasn’t the right time or just simply because I couldn’t have it. But have I talked about that with them? Have I shared with them those hard decisions where I have had to set my own wants aside? One of the most powerful realities for my children to see is that not only can’t they have it all, but mom can’t have it all either.

“Parents who want to raise more grateful kids need to start by living more grateful lives.” ~Kristen Welch

I am so excited to share a fantastic resource that addresses this topic beautifully. Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World is all about our WHOLE FAMILY saying no so our lives can lead to our biggest yes. I read this book cover to cover in about two days because it was that good!

Here is my endorsement:

Parents today fight what seems like a never-ending battle against the current of the culture in raising our children. In Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World, Kristen not only inspires us to raise our children differently, but she teaches us how to actually live that out in our homes. So very practical and convicting. A must-read!

In Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World, Kristen shares the ups and downs in her own family’s journey of discovering why it’s healthiest not to give their kids everything. Teaching them the difference between “want” and “need” is the first step in the right direction. With many practical tips and anecdotes, she shares how to help kids become hardworking, fulfilled, and successful adults.

It’s never too late to raise grateful kids. Get ready to cultivate a spirit of genuine appreciation in your family and create a home in which your kids don’t just say―but mean!―“thank you” for everything they have.

Now I am hoping that my family isn't the only one who struggles with a lack of gratefulness ;). Do you struggle with this? Does your family? What have you done in your family to combat the "entitlement" attitude? I would love to hear!